Do not forget the sunscreen!

“Children and adults spend more time outdoors in the summer and are more likely to develop heat-related skin problems,” said Youmasu Siewe, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service health education specialist.  “It is important to help protect skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and the use of sunscreen on a regular basis is one way to do so.”

 Damage to the skin from a single sunburn can last for several years or for a lifetime.

 Siewe said UV rays can cause premature aging and increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.  Other problems like dehydration, exhaustion and heat stroke can also result from excessive heat exposure.

 Studies show that as much as 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18.

 Siewe recommends the following steps for parents to take in order to minimize the exposure that their children receive from the sun.

-         Keep children out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  This is when the sun is most intense.

-         Use sunscreen that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, SPF 30 is recommended for most children.

-         Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.

-         Be sure to use sunscreen even on cloudy days. On such days one is exposed to 80 percent of the sun’s rays.

-         Many forget to apply sunscreen as often as they should. Reapply sunscreen after perspiring, swimming or drying off with a towel.

-         Wear clothing that will protect from the sun’s exposure. This includes UV blocking sunglasses, tightly woven clothing like long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats.

 There are also certain risk factors that increase vulnerability to developing skin cancer, Siewe said. These can include light skin, family history of skin cancer, personal history of skin cancer, constant sun exposure, sunburns early in life, skin that freckles, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair and certain types and large numbers of moles.

 “The sun is not the enemy, but extended exposure can be unsafe later in life,” he said. “Help protect your skin and your child’s skin in the future by using the proper safeguards today.”

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Katie L. Reim
Communication Specialist
OSU Agricultural Communication Services
140 Agriculture North
Stillwater, Ok 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu

 
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.